Multi stream labeler

ABSTRACT

A label applicator system includes a first label applicator moveably coupled to a track configured to be moved along the track and fixed at plurality of positions along the track and a second label applicator moveably coupled to the track configured to be moved along the track and fixed at plurality of positions along the track.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/539,974, filed Dec. 1, 2021, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/139,671, filed Jan. 20, 2021, the content of these application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND Technological Field

The present disclosure relates to a label applicator and more particularly to an RFID applicator to cartons and container blanks.

Description of Related Art

Radio frequency identification (RFID) systems are generally known and may be used for a number of applications such as managing inventory, electronic access control, security systems, automatic identification of cars on toll roads, and electronic article surveillance (EAS). RFID devices may be used to track or monitor the location and/or status of articles or items to which the RFID devices are applied. A RFID system typically comprises a RFID reader and a RFID device such as a tag or label. The RFID reader may transmit a radio-frequency carrier signal to the RFID device. The RFID device may respond to the carrier signal with a data signal encoded with information stored on the RFID device. RFID devices may store information such as a unique identifier or Electronic Product Code (EPC) associated with the article or item.

RFID devices may be programmed (e.g., with the appropriate EPC) and applied to the article or item that is being tracked or monitored. A RFID reader/programmer may be used to program RFID devices and to detect defective RFID devices. Label applicators have been used to apply programmed RFID labels to items or articles.

Existing RFID applicators, however, are costly and end up being able to serve one particular product line. Also, also today's application systems sometimes mismanage identifiers, by assigning the same unique number of EPC to multiple tags. Thus, there exist a need in the art for applicator system, which are adaptable to multiple product lines. There also remains a need in the art for such systems and components that are economically viable. The present disclosure may provide a solution for at least one of these remaining challenges.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A label applicator is disclosed including a first label applicator moveably coupled to a track configured to be moved along the track and fixed at plurality of positions along the track and a second label applicator moveably coupled to the track configured to be moved along the track and fixed at plurality of positions along the track. A rail can be coupled to the track in a transverse direction to allow a label receiver or carton to move below each of the labels. The first label applicator and the second label applicator can be RFID applicators.

A distance between the first label applicator and the second label applicator can be adjustable. Each of the applicators can be coupled to the track by a bracket. The bracket can include in a clamped position and an unclamped position. The bracket can be flush with the track on three sides of the track in the clamped position. At least a portion of each applicator can be below the track. At least a portion of each applicator can be above the track.

A method of applying a label to a product is also disclosed. The method includes feeding a first product feed below a first label applicator at a first position, feeding a second product below a second label applicator parallel to the first product feed, applying a label by the first label applicator having a first unique identifier to a product of the first product feed, and applying a label by the second label applicator having a second unique identifier to a product of the second product feed. The method can include moving the first label applicator toward or away from the second applicator to a second position. The method can also include feeding a third product feed below the first label applicator at a third position. The first label applicator and the second applicator can be part of a shared network. The network can include a label listing. The method can include the first label applicator communicating label information to the second applicator. The product can include a corrugated blank or a blank for a corrugated container or corrugated sheet. The label can be applied to the product while the product is part of a shingled formation of products. The method can also include validating a label by a central data center or by the first or second label applicator, wherein validating includes a combination of label information and product information.

These and other features of the systems and methods of the subject disclosure will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that those skilled in the art to which the subject invention appertains will readily understand how to make and use the devices and methods of the subject invention without undue experimentation, preferred embodiments thereof will be described in detail herein below with reference to certain figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system of label applicators according the an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an underside view of a label applicator of FIG. 1 , showing the applicator in a fixed position;

FIG. 3 is an underside view of the label applicator of FIG. 2 , showing an exploded view of the bracket; and

FIG. 4 is an underside view of the label applicator of FIG. 2 , showing the applicator in an unlocked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects of the subject invention. For purposes of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, a partial view of an exemplary embodiment of a label applicator system in accordance with the invention is shown in FIG. 1 and is designated generally by reference character 100. Other embodiments of the system in accordance with the invention, or aspects thereof, are provided in FIGS. 2-4 , as will be described. The methods and systems of the invention can be used to attach labels, such as RFID tags to containers or container blanks of varied widths, while maintaining the integrity of the tags.

FIG. 1 shows a label applicator system 100 for attaching labels and RFID tags to flattened boxes, containers, or container blanks 101. The system 100 includes a first label applicator 102 which is slideably coupled to a track 104 or beam. The applicator 102 can moved or slid along the track 104 without being fully removed or taken of and fixed at plurality of positions along the track 104. FIG. 1 further shows a second label applicator 106 also moveably coupled to the track 104 configured to move along the track 104 in a similar manner to the first applicator. By sliding the label applicators 102/106 along the track 104, a distance (d) between the first label applicator 102 and the second label applicator 106 and the distance between the edges of the track 104 is adjustable. This functionality allows the system to be re-configured based on how many streams of blanks or containers, or based on a width of a container that are being fed through the system. At least a portion of each applicator 102/106 is below each of track 104, allowing each applicator to apply the labels as the containers 101 move below the system 100. The tags can be applied to the corrugated sheets of the soon to be cartons as they are shingled, prior to being released to the belt system. This set-up allows the system to multiply the speed of application by labeling along the leading edge of a portion of each carton, rather than waiting for the entire length of the container to be deployed across the belt system.

FIG. 2 shows applicator 102 coupled to the track 104 by a bracket 108. The bracket 108 can change from clamped and unclamped positions by the loosening a fastener 110 or plurality of fasteners. In the unclamped position, as shown in FIG. 4 , the applicator 102 is able to move along the track 104.

FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of the bracket 108. The bracket 108 is a three-sided bracket where each side becomes flush with the track 104 in the clamped position. The bracket 108 can also include a pair of flanges 109 for securing the flange directly to the applicator 102.

The first label applicator 102 and the second applicator 106 are connected and are part of a shared network, which includes a label listing. Allowing both applicators to be on the same network ensures that the same label ID does not get printed to two different containers, while also allowing for faster feedthrough of the system. The applicators 102/106 can download the label information from a centralized server or be directly downloaded by them.

The tags can be encoded prior to their application to the packages 101. The labeling system 100 is configured to write data to said tag that also can include matching the carton part number. The system is also validating the tag data that part #XYZ is assigned tag #ABCD, resulting in a grouped identifier #XYZABCD. In addition, after data is written to the tag, the system 100 performs a scan of the tag data to validate that it is correct. Validation is done by matching the tag data back to the associated database and creating a match. If the tag is incorrect, or is unable to be read, because it is damaged or improperly applied, then the tag is diverted and not supplied to the carton. The benefit is that the carton value can be much higher than the tag and this process reduces the cost of scrap in the system.

The methods and systems of the present disclosure, as described above and shown in the drawings, provide for a label applicator system with superior properties including increased reliability and adaptability. While the apparatus and methods of the subject disclosure have been showing and described with reference to embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that changes and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and score of the subject disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A label applicator system comprising: a first label applicator moveably coupled to a track configured to be moved along the track and fixed at plurality of positions along the track; and a second label applicator moveably coupled to the track configured to be moved along the track and fixed at plurality of positions along the track.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a rail coupled to the track in a transverse direction allowing a label receiver or carton to move below each of the label applicators.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first label applicator and the second label applicator are RFID applicators.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein a distance between the first label applicator and the second label applicator is adjustable.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the applicators are coupled to the track by a bracket.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the bracket includes a clamped position and an unclamped position.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the bracket is flush with the track on three sides of the track in the clamped position.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of each applicator is above the track.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of each applicator is below the track.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the first label applicator and the second applicator are part of a shared network.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the network includes a label listing.
 12. A method of applying a label to a product comprising: feeding a first product feed below a first label applicator at a first position; feeding a second product below a second label applicator parallel to the first product feed; applying a label by the first label applicator having a first unique identifier to a product of the first product feed; and applying a label by the second label applicator having a second unique identifier to a product of the second product feed.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising moving the first label applicator toward or away from the second applicator to a second position.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising feeding a third product feed below the first label applicator at a third position.
 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising the first label applicator communicating label information to the second applicator.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the product includes a corrugated blank or a blank for a corrugated container or corrugated sheet.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the label is applied to the product while the product is part of a shingled formation of products.
 18. The method of claim 12, further comprising validating a label by a central data center or by the first or second label applicator, wherein validating includes a combination of label information and product information. 